A New Year’s Eve celebration in New Orleans’ vibrant French Quarter turned catastrophic when an Army veteran drove a pickup truck, displaying the Islamic State group’s flag, through a police blockade and into a crowd of revelers. The attack left 15 dead and over 30 injured. The perpetrator was fatally shot by police at the scene.
FBI Labels Incident as Terrorism
The FBI has classified the early Wednesday attack as an act of terrorism, with initial investigations suggesting the driver did not act alone. According to a Louisiana State Police intelligence bulletin obtained by the Associated Press, authorities discovered multiple improvised explosive devices, including two pipe bombs concealed in coolers and equipped for remote detonation.
President Biden Addresses the Nation
Speaking on the tragedy, President Joe Biden expressed his condolences, stating, “To all the families of those who were killed, to those injured, and to the grieving people of New Orleans, I want you to know our nation grieves with you.” The President confirmed that the FBI is leading an investigation to determine the motives behind the attack and assess any ongoing threats to public safety.
The assailant, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a U.S. citizen born in Texas. Jabbar, a former active-duty member of the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, had posted videos on social media hours before the attack, declaring allegiance to ISIS and expressing violent intentions.
Links to Car-Sharing Platform Investigated
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has highlighted a potential connection between the New Orleans attack and a Cybertruck explosion outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Both vehicles were rented through the car-sharing platform Turo. While officials have not confirmed any direct link between the incidents, Musk’s statements on social media have drawn attention to similarities.
Surveillance Footage Raises Questions
Surveillance footage reportedly shows three men and a woman placing one of the explosive devices. While federal officials have not confirmed their identities or involvement, the footage suggests potential accomplices. Authorities are actively working to determine the extent of Jabbar’s network and any affiliations with terrorist organizations.
Bourbon Street Descends into Chaos
The joyous atmosphere of Bourbon Street turned into a scene of horror. Alongside the 15 fatalities, dozens were injured, with many seeking refuge in nearby establishments. Among the injured was a college student from the University of Georgia, critically hurt in the incident. The tragedy also disrupted a college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome, postponing the event until Thursday.
Law Enforcement Details Attack
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the act as “evil,” noting that the attacker exploited temporary lapses in the city’s barrier systems, which were under repair ahead of the Super Bowl. Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck onto a crowded sidewalk, targeting pedestrians before engaging in a shootout with police. He was killed on-site, but not before wounding two officers, who are now in stable condition.
Additional Explosions Reported
New Year’s Eve was marred by violence in other cities, including explosions in Honolulu and Las Vegas. Authorities are investigating potential connections between these incidents and the New Orleans attack.
Weapons and Explosives Recovered
In addition to the improvised explosive devices, investigators recovered a handgun, an AR-style rifle, and protective gear, including a ballistic vest and helmet. Photos shared among law enforcement showed Jabbar lying beside his vehicle, armed and equipped for further violence.
Community Reels from Tragedy
The New Orleans attack has left the city in mourning, with questions lingering about the safety measures and the attacker’s motivations. As investigations continue, officials are working tirelessly to piece together the events and prevent further violence.
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